Idris Davies School 3 to 18, Rhymney

Idris Davies School 3 to 18 is an English-medium school in Wales. Welsh schools are inspected by Estyn rather than Ofsted, and its latest report is published on Estyn's website.

It had 805 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

36% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 7% have additional learning needs (29% in 2020/21); and 6% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 23 pupils (Year 2) to 137 (Year 10).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £7,452 per pupil, against £4,926 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £31k.

Estyn's report on its May 2023 inspection summarises Idris Davies School 3 to 18 like this:

"Idris Davies School is a highly inclusive, supportive and caring learning environment where staff know their pupils well. Leaders and staff make a considerable effort to ensure that pupils make progress in their learning and in their personal development during their time at school. This is reflected in the school’s vision of giving ‘every pupil - every opportunity - every day’. When they start school in nursery or reception class, many pupils’ language and social skills are below the expected levels. Most make good progress from their starting points, particularly in reading, numeracy, personal and social skills. A notable strength is the development of pupils’ digital skills and creativity over time. Leaders are relentless in making sure that the curriculum is accessible to all pupils, placing a particularly strong focus on mitigating the effects of poverty on pupil attainment and progress."

"As such, the school’s curriculum meets the needs of nearly all pupils well and prepares them suitably for the next stage in their learning or for work. Many teachers have suitable expectations of pupils’ behaviour and engagement in learning. They plan appropriate activities to ensure pupils make progress in their knowledge, understanding and skills. However, there is variation in how well teachers plan for the progressive development of pupils’ literacy, in particular writing and advanced reading skills. In a minority of cases, teachers do not monitor pupils’ progress in sessions close enough and a few teachers do not provide helpful enough written comments on pupils’ work to enable them to understand what and how they can improve. The support and care for vulnerable pupils, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is exemplary. Leaders discuss and plan beneficial interventions and activities to help pupils access learning and to thrive in school."

"Despite their efforts, whole-school attendance remains low since the time of the pandemic and is a concern. There is a strong culture of raising aspirations, promoting ambition and success for all. Leaders work tirelessly to provide further beneficial learning experiences for pupils in collaboration with local employers and businesses. The headteacher is an enthusiastic and positive-minded leader who places significant importance on raising the attainment and aspirations of all pupils. He shares his vision of providing every pupil with the best opportunities to thrive both academically and socially with parents, pupils and staff successfully. Senior leaders have developed a strong and effective culture of professional learning and this is having a positive impact on the quality of teaching and developing leadership at all levels."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Improve attendance and reduce the levels of persistent absenteeism; (2) Strengthen the planning for the progressive development of pupils’ literacy, in particular writing and advanced reading skills; (3) Address the specific areas for improvements in teaching and assessment identified in the report; (4) Ensure sufficient time for personal and social education in key stage 4.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Idris Davies School 3 to 18 are Tredegar Comprehensive School (2 miles), Ebbw Fawr Learning Community (3.6 miles), Afon Taf High School (3.9 miles) and Heolddu Comprehensive School (4.1 miles).

The nearest railway station is Pontlottyn Rail Station, about 380 metres away (roughly a 5-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Idris Davies School (near), 220 metres away.